What is Link 16?

What is Link 16?

Link 16 is a secure, jam-resistant, military tactical data link or 'TDL', network used by the US, NATO and allied coalition forces.

Formally known as 'TADIL J', Link 16 is the NATO designation associated with the Tactical Digital Information Link, abbreviated as 'TADIL', using the Joint Tactical Information Distribution System or 'JTIDS', waveform and protocol. It is commonly associated with the Multifunctional Information Distribution System, commonly referred to as 'MIDS', which provides terminals that make it compatible for aircraft and other platforms to use Link 16.

The system is governed by NATO's 'STANAG 5516', and the U.S. Department of Defence's 'MIL-STD-6016', the agreements which define the technical characteristics, protocols and message formats for Link 16. Serving as the global standard for networked warfare, it allows military aircraft, ships and ground forces to exchange their tactical pictures and situational awareness data in near, real time.

The system was developed to overcome a fundamental problem faced by multinational military forces, where different units may possess valuable information but lack an effective way of sharing it rapidly.

An aircraft might detect another aircraft using its radar, a ship could identify a surface contact, or a ground sensor might detect an approaching aircraft. With compatible tactical data links, information from these different sources can be distributed across the network, giving participating forces a more comprehensive operational picture.

This is particularly important for NATO, where forces from multiple countries must be capable of operating together.

Key Features

There are many features of Link 16 but there are three key features of the military communications system.

  • Communication Type: Uses Time Division Multiple Access or 'TDMA', to run multiple simultaneous paths in the L band frequencies between 969 and 1206 MHz.
  • Security & Resilience: Provides frequency hopping, jam-resistant and encrypted transmissions.
  • Nodeless Architecture: Operates without a single central node, so every connected terminal acts as a node.
  • Platforms: Operates on fighters such as the F-16 and F-35, AWACS, naval combatants and ground units.

Link 16 Infrastructure

Private sector contractors are required to provide the hardware, software and communication network infrastructure, including the nodes and management of the encryption keys for the global Link 16 ecosystem. This is provided by and relies on a select group of major 'Tier 1', aerospace defence prime contractors, specialised data link software firms and tactical networking businesses.

Primary Hardware Providers

The Link 16 terminal and radio hardware is manufactured by three Western defence contractors, frequently operating through joint ventures to serve the U.S., NATO and global allies.

  • Data Link Solutions: A joint venture of BAE Systems and Collins Aerospace, it is the world's largest supplier of standard military tactical data links, manufacturing, delivering and maintaining equipment across air, sea and ground units.
  • L3Harris Technologies: A primary contractor for providing Link 16 capabilities, they provide the standard MIDS configurations and proprietary and handheld Link 16 technology.
  • BAE Systems: Beyond its role in the DLS joint venture, BAE Systems develops autonomous platform integration kits, hardware and specific conduction cooled miniature modules.

Software & Development

The Link 16 hardware requires software to interpret J-series tactical data messages, simulate networks and bridge communications which is provided by the following contractors.

  • Curtiss-Wright Defence Solutions: Develops the widely used 'TCG LinkPRO', software engine, which manages TDL processing and mitigates interoperability issues alongside applications for network simulation and squadron terminal sharing.
  • L3Harris Software Division: Delivers suite control utilities such as 'ARMS', which provides network planning and troubleshooting, 'LEGS', which provides terminal control and monitoring and 'LiFT', which provides diagnostic troubleshooting.
  • CS GROUP: Referred to as 'DIGINEXT', it is a prominent European and NATO centre of excellence providing 'STARLINX', which is a multi link C2 and translation nodes and 'NETX', which provides Link 16 and 22 network emulation software.

Network Management & Infrastructure

Maintaining active Link 16 communication nodes, generating secure networks and managing encryption keys requires dedicated infrastructure oversight.

  • Thales UK: Heavily involved in the operational network layer, Thales maintains the Link 16 Network Management System or 'NMS', software. They also monitor and dynamically reconfigure combat data link architectures for forces like the UK Ministry of Defence.
  • Viasat & Allied Space Agencies: Involved in expanding the communications footprint of Link 16 into space, with Viasat and other companies collaborating with the U.S. Space Development Agency to run Link 16 communications using low earth orbit satellite constellations.

In Summary

Link 16 is a military tactical data link network used by NATO and allied forces to share combat data, voice messages and other data such as images in real time.

Related Information

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Further Information, Websites & Links

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